Jackie Senkandwa

I attribute my success to my background in the nonprofit sector and the meaningful work I have done through Minority Wealth Gap, where I have focused on supporting domestic violence survivors through a holistic approach that includes employment opportunities, financial literacy, housing support, and entrepreneurship programs. This experience has shaped my perspective on leadership and service, reinforcing the importance of addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability. As the organization has expanded beyond domestic violence to respond to broader economic challenges in underserved communities, I have continued to grow professionally and personally, guided by a commitment to creating access, opportunity, and sustainable pathways for others.

The best career advice I have ever received is that I can build a successful and meaningful career by helping those in my community. This perspective has guided my professional journey and shaped how I approach both my work and service. It has reminded me that success is not only measured by individual achievement, but also by the positive impact I create for others.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to stay observant and intentional about the needs around them and to never underestimate the value of helping others. Looking around and recognizing who might need support not only strengthens your community, but also builds character, perspective, and long-term professional relationships. Paying it forward creates opportunities that extend beyond immediate success and contributes to a more connected and supportive industry overall.

The biggest challenge right now is the toxicity and violence aimed at underserved communities. We're watching real lives being affected - we seriously have people that don't have jobs, we have a lot of women reaching out saying that unemployment is done and they could be losing housing. There are really lives being affected by recent economic challenges, with people being laid off or cut off because of budget cuts, facing difficult changes that came abruptly onto them. What started as just domestic violence work has taken on a much bigger meaning with everything happening in the country. Our community members have been hit head on, and they're really facing these difficult changes that have been put in place recently. For me right now, it's more about sending a message of unity and being the voice of can we tone down the violence, can we all get along. We want to put out there that people come to this country looking for better alternatives, not to exploit or demean or take advantage, but to really build it like everyone else. They look at this country as a place where there is fairness. We're here to build, we're not here to tear down. We're here to make the country stronger with our diverse perspectives and cultures that align with American values. We want to make sure that we're represented or understood as contributors, and not necessarily takers.

What's really important to me is being part of the solution, not just waiting on the sidelines. For us, even if it's just one person, then it's still worth it. We want to contribute and really be part of a solution. I want to send a message of unity and be the voice asking can we tone down the violence, can we all get along. We're here to build, not to tear down. We're here to make the country stronger with our diverse perspectives and cultures that align with American values. We want to be represented and understood as contributors. In my personal life, I'm a mom - my daughter is in volleyball and my son recently wants to try out football. My son and daughter recently got scholarships to one of the private schools, so we're excited about that new journey with them. It's almost like all our work is coming back to us.